Bathroom Fixture & Product FAQs || GINGER

CA/VT Compliance

Do I need to get a new faucet just because mine is one of the old ones?: No. Previously installed faucets are not affected. Only faucets sold in California and Vermont beginning in January, 2010 must meet the new standard.
How can I identify models that are CA or VT compliant?: This icon is used to identify any model that is CA or VT compliant. This icon can be found on the packaging of your product.
If my faucet is not AB1953 compliant, does that mean that it is not safe?: No. According to the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI), lead levels have been reduced to nearly immeasurable amounts due to advancements in materials and manufacturing processes. Where trace amounts of lead have been found in drinking water, aging infrastructure, including pipe and plumbing system components have been the main contributors of trace amounts of lead in the water supply.
Is there a list of CA or VT compliant models?: Yes, click here for the full listing of compliant models from Newport Brass/GINGER/Brasstech.
What is AB1953/S.152?: On September 30, 2006, Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB1953) into law. This new law defines “lead free” to mean not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead content in pipe and fittings on all devices at the point-of-use that are intended to dispense water for human consumption.
What products are affected by AB1953/S.152?: All devices at the point-of-use that are intended to dispense water for human consumption. According to AB1953:
“No person shall introduce into commerce, for use in California, any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting, or fixture intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking water or cooking that is not lead free. This includes kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, and any other end-use devices intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking.”

Examples of the products this bill will cover include kitchen faucets, bar faucets, lavatory faucets, water dispensers, and pot fillers.

*All Newport Brass, Brasstech, and GINGER water delivery products intended for human consumption do meet these guidelines as of January 1, 2010.

Leaks

Do I need to put teflon tape on the quick connect nipple that threads into the bottom of the roman tub spout? This applies to Columnar only.: Always make sure that Teflon tape is put on the nipple as instructed in the installation instructions. If tape is not used the spout will leak at the base. Also, if Teflon tape is on the nipple, it has the ability to leak from there as well, but that is typically not going to be the case.
Water is dripping from the tip of the spout on my lavatory faucet. How do I stop this from occuring?: Replace the cartridge. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
How do I stop water from dripping where the hoses from the hot and cold valves meet the tee assembly on the spout of my lavatory faucet (for faucets with tee assemblies only)?: Replace the tee assembly. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
What do I do about water dripping from the base of the spout on my lavatory faucet?: Replace the spout. If the product is still under warranty, go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business, contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells GINGER product.
What should I do if the water is coming out of the pop-up hole in the top of the lavatory faucet?: You will need to replace the spout, This is generally caused by the tee assembly nut being over torqued. If the product is still under warranty, go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business, contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty, the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells GINGER product.
What do I do if water is leaking down the nipple coming out of the bottom of the spout, either inside or outside of the nipple on my lavatory faucet?: You will need to replace the spout, This is generally caused by the tee assembly nut being over torqued. If the product is still under warranty you will go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business, contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells GINGER product.
Water is dripping from the hoses connected to the bottom of my lavatory faucet, what do I do? (For faucets without a tee assembly): Replace the spout. If the product is still under warranty go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells GINGER product.
In my thermostatic shower the water is coming out of all the functions and I cannot turn the water off. What should I do?: A one stop valve must be installed for every function in the bathroom. If required, the plumber will have to re-plumb the setup correctly.
The water will not shut off (or will not come out) from the function, I have my stop valve hooked up to in my thermostatic shower setup.What should I do?: Check to see if the stop valve was installed correctly. There is an arrow on the side of the valve body that should follow the direction of the water. If you cannot see the side of the stop valve you can remove the cartridge from the stop valve body. There should be a hole that should be on the outlet side of the valve body. If the hole is on the inlet side of the valve body the stop valve will need to be re-plumbed in the wall.

Installation

What if I have 4 functions and only one of the functions barely dribbles out water in my thermostatic setup?: Make sure that the sum total of water consumption of the combined shower outlets does not exceed the rated GPM of the thermostatic valve. Make sure that the body sprays are installed on a loop system.
How do I fix my wall mounted lavatory faucet, stop valve, or two-handle tub set with lever handles from drooping and causing the water to flow because they are too heavy?: You need to install torque-able cartridges provided with the wall mount trim or two-handle tub set trim. If needed for a stop valve, they will have to be purchased separately. The part numbers for the replacement torque cartridges are; (1/2″ cold = 1-543) / (1/2″ hot = 1-544) / (3/4″ cold = 1-181) / (3/4″ hot = 1-182).
What do I do if the handles on my wall mounted lavatory faucet do not line up correctly?: Remove trim from stem and turn cartridge inside valve just one spline on the stem, using a 5/8 sparkplug wrench with a 1/2 inch shaft and 3/4 deep socket. This should allow the handles to be lined up level. Cartridges are / should be stiff in the wall - installed at the factory with a torque wrench at 18lbs.

Tool to be used: 5/8″ Sparkplug wrench, 1/2 drive goes on end of sparkplug wrench, 3/4″ deep socket goes on the 1/2″ drive.
Where can I find the quick connect nipple for my roman tub set? This applies to Columnar only.: The quick connect sits inside the deck housing. When looking at the quick connect, if the opening is a 1″ diameter hole, than the nipple is missing. If the opening is 3/4″, then the nipple is there and you just need to pull it out of the deck housing.
How do I know which is the correct rough-in kit for my roman tub trim?: Always make sure you know exactly what trim is going to be used before installing the rough-in kit. If the customer or dealer insists on ordering the rough in before knowing what trim is to be used, try to discourage this as much as possible. If the dealer orders the wrong rough-in to fit the trim or if the customer decides to change the trim at the last second after the rough-in is installed then they have to choose trim that uses that same rough-in kit. If they choose a trim that uses a different rough-in the spout may not fit because of the spacer that is used on certain sets. Also the stem height will differ between series for the handles.
What causes Water Hammer to occur?: A common complaint from customers is that the valves are causing “water hammer.” “Water hammer” is the loud banging noise occasionally heard when a valve is quickly shut off. With non-ceramic disc valves, this could be caused by a loose seat washer, however GINGER only offers the ceramic disc type of valve that prevents this problem from occuring. “Water hammer” today is often caused by the pipes not being properly held in place or it is the sudden stop of the water from closing a 1/4″ turn cartridge in a 3/4″ valve. Another possible cause could be when the piping underneath is not strapped down securely. Other than that you would just need to turn the handle slowly when turning the water off.
How do you attach mounting brackets?: Screws and dry wall anchors are generally used. Installation instructions are provided with every item.
Can you mount GINGER items to tile or natural stone?: GINGER accessories can be mounted to any solid surface, including tile and stone.
How do you mount a grab bar?: A professional should mount bath grab bars to a solid surface. The screws provided are stainless steel. To ensure a solid mount they should be screwed into wood. The contractor should put “backing” between the studs at the point where the grab bars will be mounted. The screws can then pass through the dry wall and/or tile, and bury into the wood. This is the recommended procedure. Other methods of securing the grab bar are possible. Consult your professional installer.
How many wires does it take to wire a GINGER light?: A professional installer should install GINGER lights. A unit that has a nightlight and toplight requires two hot leads. It should be wired as if the installer were installing two lights instead of one. Both lights, however, can be operated from a double switch in one gang. These switches are generally available from The Home Depot, or they can be ordered directly from GINGER.
What height is a towel bar mounted (the distance from the floor)?: Towel bars can be mounted at a variety of heights to suit the needs of the individual customer. In general, they are usually mounted between 3' and 4' above the finished floor, but that range is not mandatory.
How high above the water closet tank do you mount a hotel shelf?: Hotel shelves are generally mounted between 5 & 5 1/2′ above the floor. Again, this is to personal preference and situation.
How high from the top of a pedestal lav do you mount a glass shelf?: Glass shelves above the lav are a function of the faucet. The shelf should be above the faucet spout and below the mirror. The user needs room to operate the faucet. Other than that, there are no rules.
Do I need to put teflon tape on the quick connect nipple that threads into the bottom of the roman tub spout? This applies to Columnar only.: Always make sure that Teflon tape is put on the nipple as instructed in the installation instructions. If tape is not used the spout will leak at the base. Also, if Teflon tape is on the nipple, it has the ability to leak from there as well, but that is typically not going to be the case.
In my thermostatic shower the water is coming out of all the functions and I cannot turn the water off. What should I do?: A one stop valve must be installed for every function in the bathroom. If required, the plumber will have to re-plumb the setup correctly.
The water will not shut off (or will not come out) from the function, I have my stop valve hooked up to in my thermostatic shower setup. What should I do?: Check to see if the stop valve was installed correctly. There is an arrow on the side of the valve body that should follow the direction of the water. If you cannot see the side of the stop valve you can remove the cartridge from the stop valve body. There should be a hole that should be on the outlet side of the valve body. If the hole is on the inlet side of the valve body the stop valve will need to be re-plumbed in the wall.

Water Temperature

What do I do when I'm only getting all hot or all cold water out of my thermostatic valve?: First, check and see if one of the outlets is plugged. If not, have a plumber re-plumb the valve correctly.

Second, make sure the hot and cold inlets were piped correctly and that the valve was not installed upside down which would reverse the hot and cold inlets. The plumber may have to re-plumb the valve correctly.

Reset check stops and clean the filter on the cartridge per instructions.
Why are there varying temperatures when controlling from hot to cold in my thermostatic shower setup?: Make sure the hot and cold inlets were piped correctly and that the valve was not installed upside down which would reverse the hot and cold inlets. The plumber may have to re-plumb the valve correctly.
Why isn't the water reaching as hot as 120° on my thermostatic valve?: The valve has to be recalibrated by the plumber; most likely the stem was turned before or during installation. Reset check stops and clean the filter on the cartridge per instructions.

Water Pressure

How do I fix a restricted water flow issue on my lavatory faucet?: Check the aerator for debris, clean the cartridges making sure there is no debris, check that tee assembly is installed correctly and the hoses are clear. If all is good, then replace the valves. For wall mounted valves have the plumber check the lines for debris. If replacement valves are needed, contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
What should I set my Water Pressure to be for the Roman Tub?: The maximum water pressure for the roman tub valves is 60psi. If the PSI is greater than 60psi it will cause either the spout to leak when the hand shower is on or the hand shower to leak when the spout is on. Water pressure min/max is 45psi–60psi.

General

How do I contact Brasstech, Inc. for assistance?: Email: info(at)brasstech.com
Phone: 866-417-5207
How do I email Brasstech, Inc.?: info(at)brasstech.com
What is your mailing address?: Brasstech, Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
2001 Carnegie Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705-5531
Can I get a particular faucet in a different finish than what is available at the store?: GINGER products are available in 9 finishes.
How do I determine if I have a Brasstech, Inc. faucet? Is the Brasstech, Inc. name on ALL faucets, including older models? Where can I find my model number?: We do not put our name on our fixtures, but some of the lavatory valves have "Brasstech" stamped on them. You can find your model number on the invoice from the dealer where the product was purchased. If you do not have that information you may email a picture of your fixture to info(at)brasstech.com so we can determine if it is a Brasstech/Newport Brass product.
Are repair parts available for discontinued models?: Contact customer service with the model number of the fixture with the date of purchase. Depending on which faucet and how old the faucet is there may or may not be replacement parts available.

Finishes

The finish on the drain plug for my metal pop-up assembly is tarnishing, what should I do?: The entire drain assembly will have to be replaced because there are no replacement parts available for the pop-up drain assembly. There is no warranty on drains.
What is a PVD finish?: It is the process by which a vacuum chamber is used to deposit thin layers of film onto a particular surface. PVD finishes manufactured by Brasstech (other than drains) are warranted as long as the original purchaser owns their home.
What makes a PVD finish unique?: PVD finishes resist corrosion, tarnishing, and discoloration.

Replacement Parts

How long will it take to receive the repair parts?: If the item is not in stock it can take up to two weeks for the replacement item to be shipped out.

Quality

Why are Splashables more expensive compared to other baskets in the market?: Splashables are the finest baskets on the market. There are features and benefits inherent to this product that result in the premium price. The solid brass frame is extra heavy, as are the wires. Each wire is soldered into the frame to ensure great strength. The finishes are warrantied for life. The shape and contours are wonderful to behold and expensive to produce. Note that GINGER sells baskets of excellent quality that are significantly less expensive. Consult your price book.
Are GINGER lights UL approved?: Yes, all GINGER lights are UL listed.

Manufacturing

Where are GINGER products manufactured?: Most of the manufacturing operations of GINGER accessories are performed by subcontract factories located in different countries around the world. For the most part, GINGER assembles these components into finished goods. These statements are true of more than 90% of the bathroom accessory “manufacturing” companies in operation today, including all of our fellow Masco companies. The quality level of the product is dictated by (a) the quality of the raw materials (b) the specification of the product (c) the level of manufacturing applied (d) the inspection and packaging (e) the related marketing costs. GINGER uses the best materials, formed to very demanding specifications, carefully inspected and artfully packaged. The German brass we use is more expensive, we purchase more accurate manufacturing, better polishing, and thicker plating, and we reject anything that doesn't meet our high standards. The best method to gauge quality is to compare items. Compare a Chelsea spring roller to one made by any other company. Compare our polished brass tubes with those of any other company. Look at the design and construction of our shelves, the quality of the glass, the hand blown light shades, the fit and finish of every piece. Wherever the individual factory is located, the standards are the same. GINGER is a better product.

Cleaning

How do you properly clean each finish?: Finish Care & Maintenance

Warranty

What type of warranty does GINGER offer?: Click here to see our Warranty
Can you put a towel bar or hotel shelf in the shower area? Will the warranty still be valid?: Towel bars are intended to hold towels in a dry location, not to be constantly exposed to water. Hotel Bath Shelves are ok in the shower if they are chrome or satin nickel. Polished Brass is NOT OK. The warranty would not apply in the latter case.

Product Uses/Comparisons

What is the difference between tempered and “regular” (or non-tempered) glass?: Tempered glass is treated with a process that will prevent the formation of sharp, dangerous shards in the event the glass is broken. It is harder to break in the first place, and will break into chunks rather than shards. Some commercial codes require the use of tempered glass in the shower area.
Why do I have to order the rosettes separately when I order a hotel shelf, shower rod, or grab bar?: In this case, the main item (shelf frame, the shower rod, or the grab bar) is the same for most of the series. It is the rosettes that change from series to series, thereby giving each of the series its own distinctive look.

GINGER Policies

What is GINGER's standard shipping method?: As indicated in the price list, GINGER generally ships by FedEx Ground. Expedited options are available at an additional cost. Purchase order should indicate the preferred shipping method.

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